Enigma of Love

Exposed

Arden

It had been a month since the fight with River. The initial storm of emotions had calmed, and the turbulence of our relationship had given way to a tentative, yet reassuring stability. River and I had worked hard to rebuild the trust between us, and with every passing day, the bond we shared felt stronger and more resilient.

One point of contention had been telling River's parents about me. Despite his reassurances that they would accept me, I had insisted we wait. I wasn't ready for another wave of potential rejection, and River respected my decision, though I knew it weighed on him. It was a delicate balance, and we were both trying to navigate it carefully.

Today, as I stood in my office at work, I felt a sense of calm that had eluded me for so long. I glanced at my reflection in the small mirror by my desk, adjusting my blouse and smoothing down my skirt. I felt good about myself, confident in who I was. It was a feeling I cherished deeply, one that had been hard-earned through countless struggles and self-reflection.

"Ready for lunch with the boyfriend?" Emma teased, leaning against the doorframe of my office. Her smile was infectious, and I couldn't help but return it.

"Almost," I replied, giving myself one last look. "He's been swamped with this upcoming case, so I thought I'd surprise him."

Emma nodded approvingly. "It's good to see you two doing well. You've been through a lot, Arden."

I smiled, appreciating her support. "Thanks, Emma. It hasn't been easy, but we're getting there."

She walked over to me, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're one of the strongest people I know. River's lucky to have you."

I felt a warmth spread through me at her words. "I'm lucky to have him too. We're lucky to have each other."

As I gathered my things and prepared to head out, Emma wished me a good lunch. "Enjoy," she called after me as I left my office, the click of my heels echoing down the hallway.

The drive to River's firm was short, and as I parked and made my way inside, I felt a wave of anticipation. I approached the reception desk, where Jane, River's assistant, greeted me with a tight-lipped smile that bordered on bitterness.

"Hello, Arden," Jane said, her tone polite but strained.

"Hi, Jane," I replied, trying to maintain a friendly demeanor despite the tension. I remembered River telling me about overhearing Jane badmouthing me to another assistant. It still stung, but I was determined not to let it affect me.

"River is in his office," Jane continued, not quite meeting my eyes. "You can go right in."

"Thank you," I said, walking past her and down the hall to River's office.

I knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. River looked up from his desk, a smile breaking across his face when he saw me.

"Hey, you," he said, standing up and walking over to give me a quick kiss. "You're a sight for sore eyes."

"I thought you might need a break," I replied, holding up a bag with our favorite takeout. "Lunch?"

"You know me too well," he said with a grin. "Come on in."

We settled into his office, spreading out the food on his desk. It felt cozy and intimate, a small oasis of normalcy amidst the chaos of his work.

"How's the case going?" I asked, genuinely interested.

"Busy, but manageable," he said, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Having you here makes it a lot better."

I smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of his love. "I'm glad I could help."